Inter saw their seven-game Serie A winning streak come to an end as they fell 1-0 to Juventus at J Stadium in the 168th edition of the Derby d’Italia on Sunday.
The marquee clash lived up to its pre-match billing as both teams attacked from the opening whistle and only a wonder goal from Juan Cuadrado separated the two teams at halftime.
The Nerazzurri went toe-to-toe with the Italian champions but failed to find the equalizer and will lament their lack of cutting edge in the final third as a major reason for their setback.
Inter’s performance was encouraging but not good enough to beat the Scudetto holders on their home turf. The Nerazzurri’s display reminded me of the old boxing adage that: as the challenger you have to knock out the defending champion so as to not leave the final decision to the judges.
Inter had Juve on the ropes a few times but failed to secure the knockout blow and paid the price as some important decisions that could’ve tilted the outcome of the match in their favor did not go their way.
Derby d’Italia + Rizzoli = Controversy
Interisti let out a collective groan when it was announced that Nicola Rizzoli was going to be in charge of the derby and their fears were justified when he waved away two legitimate penalty appeals, the second of which happened right in front of the official on the goal line.
There is a reason the Italian national team seems to concede a penalty for shirt tugging at every major tournament. Dragging an opponent down by the jersey is against the rules but it’s commonplace in the penalty area on corner kicks during Serie A matches.
Danilo D’Ambrosio was tugged down by Stephan Lichtsteiner and Mauro Icardi was manhandled by Giorgio Chiellini but I’m not too hot and bothered by the absence of a whistle even though by the letter of the law the referee should’ve pointed to the spot.
However, Rizzoli’s decision to dismiss Icardi’s penalty shout when his ankle was taken out by a sliding Mario Mandzukic straight in front of the goalline official, who had a front row seat to the infraction, is indefensible. Those officials are about as useful as the towel attendants in the men’s bathroom at the club.
Rizzoli’s decision to send off Ivan Perisic for dissent was also a head scratcher as Juve manager Massimilliano Allegri has verbally assailed referees this season without reprimand while Leonardo Bonucci escaped a sending off when he headbutted Rizzoli last year. It’s a double standard and one that the rest of Serie A is well aware of.
Roma legend Francesco Totti didn’t mince words when he said that “Juventus should play in their own league,” after the Giallorossi were whistled for two penalties in the controversial 3-2 loss to the Turin-based club in 2014.
Italy had a glorious chance to show that the Calcio culture had changed for the better, especially for viewers in North America, who were tuning in ahead of the Super Bowl, but it’s apparent that the FIGC were only interested in defending the status quo.
It’s telling to note that Rizzoli has grabbed most of the headlines and that’s a shame as we should be celebrating what was an enthralling match between two historical rivals.
Lack Of Depth Rears Its Ugly Head
Inter were down 1-0 with 11 minutes to play and were in desperate need of a goal, so who did Stefano Pioli summon off the bench to rescue a point? Rodrigo Palacio.
The veteran striker has been a loyal servant and has scored many key goals for the team but every Inter supporter knew deep down that he wasn’t up to the task of netting the equalizer.
It wasn’t Pioli’s fault as he had already thrown Eder into the mix and Gabigol was his only other realistic option off the bench, but it’s clear he’s not ready to entrust the Brazilian with the match still hanging in the balance.
It will be interesting to see how Inter responds without Perisic and Icardi, the latter of whom was slapped with a two-game ban for kicking the ball in the air after the final whistle.
Who will step up in their place? Where are the goals going to come from? These are legitimate questions that need to be answered if the Nerazzurri are to stay in the hunt for a Champions League spot.
Onwards and Upwards
Inter need to make sure that Juventus doesn’t beat them twice. All signs point to an easy victory over Empoli but Pioli must shield his men from a Derby d’italia hangover. The absence of their two top forwards won’t help matters but it’s the Nerazzurri’s response to adversity, which will be a subplot worth keeping an eye on.
It’s never ideal to lose to your bitter rival and there’s no such thing as a moral victory but Inter are heading in the right direction and it would be a shame if all their good work under Pioli was undone due to negative emotions carrying over to the weekend.
A quick peek at the schedule shows that seven of Inter’s next eight games before the Milan derby are against teams below them in the standings – the lone exception being the crunch clash against Roma on Feb. 26.
Everything is still in front of Inter and it’s up to everyone involved to show that they have the mental fortitude to take the next step in their quest to reclaim their place among Europe’s elite.
Follow: @Gonzo_Zenergy
